Hi, I am sure a number of members here have lots of experience in buying performance cars. We currently have a 330ci and being from the uk am an avid fan of BMW's. However as I rarely get to drive, wife steals it regularly [&o], this I am stuck with my truck. I have decided the truck must go and something quicker than the 330ci must come (she can't be beating me off the lights). After she dragged me to some dealers (I really dislike the buying experience in the us, drive seems to equal buy in there eyes) to look at an m3 I was interested in (dream car). It was an SMG and the transmission was horrific. I want a car that will go but also cruise without giving you whiplash (the SMG transmission in fully auto changes extremely abruptly, I think this is because it is a smallish engine and tuned to be driven hard all the time). Therefore I found myself at another dealership and ended up driving a Corvette. This was an awesome experience and have pretty much gone hard over on one of these. There are still a few other cars I am interested in but I thought I would check with you guys to see what you think, and if I go for a corvette what I should look for;

Other Cars I'm interested in (are they worth a test drive over the corvette?, i'd rather not suffer more dealers than necessary - lol):

New Pontiac GTO
Cadilac CTS V

If I buy a corvette that I intend to keep for a long while what should I look for:

50th Anniversary important?
Color important?
I want an auto transmission, are there any years to avoid? (I am sure the z06 is what avids would go for, but I fear I would never get the full potential out of this and I want something I can use everyday as well)
HUD worth having?
Targa Vs Convertable?
Year (end of line of a model or new model)



I am impressed with the site by the way, gj to the admins and members for such a wealth of information.

Thanks in advance of your help.

 

BMW, "Big Money Waisted", [:'(]
I'll put my C3 up against any BMW, anytime!!!IF, I should loose, they'll know they were in a RACE, My C3 is no pushover.
Foriegn sport car manufacturers got a rude awaikening when the "Vette" hit the racing circuts.
Ya, I'm a staunch USA Horse Power suppporter.
Like any used car, check it out. Brakes, suspention, elec. and drivetrain.
Color, not important. You can change that.
50th anniversary? Do you want a collector car or a driver? There is so much equipment available today for Vettes, you can build it to do what YOU want. Some of your questions hinge on , what do you want. I don't like pink Vettes, but you might. To each his own!!!
Don't like dealers? Buy a used Vette, a lot of them are just as good as new, or better. Check out www.corvettetrader.com or www.autotrader.com!
Personally, if you want something to show your buddys when they come over, buy a picture. If you want a driver, I've said many times before, "You only go around once, why not go around in a 'Vette"!!!

 

Thanks for the feedback starship, I take it you ruled out the other two as well. I gave in to temptation, the truck has gone and I am a proud new owner of an 04 white corvette! Now to put her through her paces after I get a handle on the dimensions - lol.

 

Hey Dude,
That was quick!!! Between 10:18 this mornin' and 5:48 this evenin' you made your choice. Me thinks you had already made up your mind before you posted, maybe even had a Vette picked out. Just needed a little nudge, eh? Enjoy your new baby and take care of her, she won't disapoint you. My baby came from an abusive home but she's getting better all the time. (She knows she is LOVED here)

 

I think your right, the test drive really sealed it for me. Then it was just parting with my truck. She even has a space cleared in the garage for her (my wife has been trying that for sometime to no avail - lol) and I have a big smile on my face. Attached is a photo of my new baby. Take it easy and I am sure I am going to have lots of questions.

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/E450D9FB53D34759841D4BC4C073EC7A.jpg[/IMG]

 

NICE VETTE DUDE!!!
I don't think you'll regret this move at all!!!

 

What an absolutely stunning car! There is no way you are going to regret that. No way. These pieces of art and engineering, in my humble opinion, are the finest balance of all key ingredients that make up a true sports car. Have fun! And post more pictures if you can!

 

As requested here are some more. I am happy with her she is very well behaved

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/BFE87B6856AD4AAEB922DCB2AD3F9D57.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/9B7E21769E9B401286949CED122FF566.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/80A1A76B5B1D40CCB930E06877110C2F.jpg[/IMG]

 

A few more

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/17D1F4F403C640168408FF28CA5FB028.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/8490922E3B9945F395B925D4B3451562.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/2865/C0A4BA11CB52492399216E25D94DD7E4.jpg[/IMG]

 

Congrats on your purchase. That white looks very clean and classy...have fun with her.